Does Coconut Oil Affect Your Cholesterol Level?
3:41 AMWe were always told coconut oil is good for our health. But, is it really good for our heart as well? Does it raise cholesterol levels? This post deals with these questions and gives you the answers you need.
Interested to know more? Keep reading.
Coconut Oil – A Brief:
Just like the name suggests, coconut oil has been derived out of the coconut fruit itself. The oil is generally used to prepare medicine. Sometimes, coconut oil is also used for beauty and health purposes at home. The coconut fruit helps treat heart diseases, chronic fatigue, thyroid conditions, Alzheimer’s, irritated bowel syndrome, etc (1).
Does Consumption Of Coconut Oil Increase Cholesterol?
If you are worried whether coconut oil will improve your heart health or worsen it, here is your answer! Consuming coconut oil can actually be pretty good for you! Surprisingly, it can reduce heart-related diseases. There are many people who have, however, expressed concern regarding this matter. Some who recently got their blood cholesterol checked saw a sudden rise in the cholesterol levels that left them stunned and shattered. If coconut oil can reduce heart diseases, then why did it lead to an increase in the cholesterol levels?
According to experts, people’s responses often vary when they begin to use coconut oil. For some, the cholesterol levels decrease while among others, they tend to increase. But in both these cases, the “good” cholesterol, also known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein), always increases. When there seems to be a rise in your total cholesterol, it is the good cholesterol and not the bad one. This, therefore, reduces heart attacks and other heart-related diseases.
It has been declared earlier that the ratio of cholesterol is a much more accurate indicator of heart-related diseases than the total cholesterol level. Looking at the total cholesterol levels alone, on the other hand, happens to be very misleading. Total cholesterol actually lets you know how much cholesterol is good and how much is detrimental to your health. One could be having a very high level of total cholesterol, but if most of it is made up of HDL, then the risk is much lower.
Coconut Oil Contains Saturated Fat – Is That Bad?
The saturated fat found in coconut oil does affect your body in harmful ways. According to a couple of reviews and studies conducted recently, there is a link established between saturated fat consumption and a decreased rate of mortality. In fact, coconut oil contains 90% of saturated fat that is much higher when compared with beef and butter. This tends to boost the chances of heart diseases (2).
How Much Coconut Oil Should You Consume?
Coconut oil can be used for both baking and cooking. Since coconut imparts such wonderful fragrance, it has been used to cook tropical style dishes and prepare exotic drinks such as coconut milk and citrus juice, which are often so nourishing. If you are consuming coconut oil on a regular basis, try not to push it to more than 3 and a half teaspoons. Taking more would be harmful.
A Few Good Uses Of Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil can be used for a large number of beauty purposes too.
1. Hair Masks:
Coconut Oil is often used to make excellent hair masks. It contains moisturizing properties that nourish your hair and prevent hair fall and dandruff. You can always massage your scalp and tresses with coconut oil an hour before shampooing. The results will surprise you.
2. Body Oil:
If you don’t want to spend on expensive lotions and creams to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months, you have to try coconut oil. It will hydrate your skin and keep it soft, smooth and glowing at all times. You can also use coconut oil, instead of a lip balm, for your lips.
3. Nails:
Coconut oil is also often used to strengthen your nails and cuticles. Apply this three times a week to reap great results.
4. Under Eye Cream:
If you are looking for a good under eye cream, you just have to try coconut oil. It removes blemishes, dark circles and refreshes your entire look over time. If you are very stressed, this natural ingredient will definitely be of good use.
5. Fights Frizzy Hair:
If you are tired of frizzy and unmanageable hair, stop worrying right away! With coconut oil, you can take care of that too. You can prepare an egg, yogurt and coconut oil mask at home every week in order to strengthen the cuticles of your hair and prevent it from becoming coarse. The advantage is that coconut oil makes your hair shiny and smooth! So, if you want that, pick coconut oil right away.
Did you like reading this post? How much coconut oil do you consume? Has it affected your health in any way? Let us know your views in the comment box below.
The post Does Coconut Oil Affect Your Cholesterol Level? appeared first on STYLECRAZE.
by Naomi via STYLECRAZE
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